Obama polishing presidential salute?

29 days until Inauguration Day - The Next President - Notebook

December 22, 2008

Cameras were not allowed to capture the moment, but future commander in chief Barack Obama may be starting to practice his salute. After a Sunday morning workout, the president-elect gave a quick salute to two Marines standing near a military base's fitness center, according to a media pool report of the stop.

The workout, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, came on the first full day of Obama's 12-night vacation to his native state, his final getaway before moving to the White House on Jan. 20. Aides said photography and video recording are not allowed on the military base for security reasons.

"As he walked out of the Semper Fit Center, his gray T-shirt soaked in sweat, he lifted his right hand and gave a quick salute to two Marines in fatigues who were standing in the distance," the pool report said.

Obama was joined for the 45-minute workout by his wife, Michelle. The two had traveled a short distance from their rented vacation home in Kailua, Hawaii.

Senate-seat report expected

Obama will offer details early this week about his transition staff's contact with Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who is facing federal charges of plotting to sell the appointment of Obama's Senate successor. A Democratic official said Sunday that an internal report Obama ordered would be released no later than Tuesday. Aides say Obama has no plans to make a public statement on his internal report.

Effort to bolster middle class

As vice president, Joe Biden will oversee an Obama-administration effort to find ways of building up the ranks of the middle class, that ambiguously defined segment of society most Americans identify with. The task force will include four Cabinet members as well as other presidential advisers, the Obama transition team announced Sunday. The goal is to recommend proposals to ensure the middle class is "no longer being left behind," Biden said.

Sound bite

"Mr. Warren compared same-sex couples to incest. I found that deeply offensive and unfair. If he was inviting the Rev. Warren to participate in a forum and to make a speech, that would be a good thing. But being singled out to give the prayer at the inauguration is a high honor. . . . I think it was wrong to single him out for this mark of respect."